Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Veterans: Well-paid Employment

Thursday 22 June 2023 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister announced steps to help veterans access well-paid employment through full-time Department for Work and Pensions armed forces champions.
  • Government creating pathways into sectors like renewables, finance, and construction to aid veterans in finding well-paid employment.
  • Minister defended current measures, stating full-time regional champions have replaced part-time jobcentre champions for better coverage.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Employment Benefits & Welfare Veterans
Context

The number of veterans claiming universal credit has risen by 50% in the last year, with over half welfare cases from the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers related to employment and finance issues. The Government halved the number of armed forces employment champions.

Question

What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help veterans access well-paid employment? As we celebrate Armed Forces Week, let us celebrate the skills of our armed forces personnel and their value in civilian life. Nevertheless, the number of veterans claiming universal credit has risen by 50% in the last year and over half welfare cases are about employment and finance issues. Why have the Government chosen to halve the number of armed forces employment champions?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

We went from part-time roles to full-time Department for Work and Pensions armed forces champions covering different areas, which are proving successful in getting people into work. There is a new method of accounting for universal credit claims; I am exploring the data further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specifically why number of employment champions was halved

How: Gone From Part-Time To Full-Time Roles

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Q2 Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Employment Veterans
Context

The number of veterans claiming universal credit has increased every month in the last year, representing a 50% rise. Veterans should not rely on benefits or charitable support.

Question

Amid the current cost of living crisis, can the Minister elaborate more to the House how his Department has been helping veterans to find well-paid employment? We have heard that the latest Government data shows an increase in universal credit claims by 50% in the last year. Amidst these difficult circumstances, what is being done?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

We are creating clear pathways into different sectors such as renewables, finance or construction to deliver equity of access across the UK without relying on charities. Employment rates remain at 87%, but we aim for improvement.

Answered
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Q3 Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Employment Veterans
Context

The number of armed forces champions in jobcentres has halved, leading to less capacity across the country.

Question

Is what the Government are doing on employment support sufficient when we have heard that the number of armed forces champions in jobcentres has halved? That is less capacity. In contrast, Labour plans to incorporate the armed forces covenant into law; will the Minister do the same?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

We have replaced part-time champions with full-time regional champions, providing more coverage. I was the first to incorporate the armed forces covenant into law in my previous role and we need realistic, deliverable proposals from Labour.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment on incorporating covenant into law

How: Replaced Part-Time With Full-Time Champions

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Q4 Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Employment Veterans
Context

The number of armed forces champions in jobcentres has halved, leading to less capacity. Labour proposes full incorporation of the armed forces covenant into law.

Question

Is what the Government are doing on employment support sufficient when we have heard that the number of armed forces champions in jobcentres has halved? That is less capacity. In contrast, Labour plans to incorporate the armed forces covenant into law; will the Minister do the same?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

We have replaced part-time champions with full-time regional champions, providing more coverage. I was first to incorporate the armed forces covenant into law in my previous role; we need realistic proposals from Labour.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment on incorporating covenant into law

How: Replaced Part-Time With Full-Time Champions

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